Football legend Johan Cruyff passes away in Barcelona

Legendary football player Johan Cruyff passed away at his home in Barcelona today at at the age of 68 from lung cancer.

The sad news was announced on his website:

"On March 24 2016 Johan Cruyff (68) died peacefully in Barcelona, surrounded by his family after a hard fought battle with cancer. It’s with great sadness that we ask you to respect the family’s privacy during their time of grief."

The Dutchman started his career at Ajax, where he scored an incredible 190 goals in 249 appearance, before moving to Barcelona in 1973, helping them to win La Liga for the first time since 1960 (and defeating Real Madrid 5-0 en route at the Bernabeu into the bargain). He revolutionised the game with manoeuvres like his eponymous Cruyff turn, and is famous for being the principle protagonist of Total Football, the style of play from the Netherlands that took Holland to the 1974 World Cup Final. His transfer fee to FC Barcelona broke a world record at the time, and during his playing career he was named European footballer of the year three times.

After hanging up his boots Cruyff further cemented his legacy amongst Barca fans by going on to coach the Blaugrana between 1988 and 1996, leading them to win the European Cup in 1992 and the La Liga title from 1991-1994 consecutively. To say he was a much loved figure at Camp Nou would be an understatement.

FC Barcelona released the following statement: "FC Barcelona would like to express its pain and sorrow at the passing away of Johan Cruyff, who was both an FC Barcelona player and a coach and who will forever be a legend at the Club. FC Barcelona wishes to send its most heartfelt sympathy to Johan Cruyff’s family at such a painful moment, a sentiment which the Club members, fans and the whole world of football and sport will share. Rest in peace. Thank you Johan.”